New Year’s in Asheville is off to an exciting start – a winter storm of epic proportions. It took me 3 hours to get from downtown back to my apartment this afternoon. Roads are covered in ice, traffic was at a standstill on all the major highways, 15 mph winds, temps in the teens, and the snow is steady falling as I type this. Auld Lang Syne, indeed.
2017 has been one of the most eventful years of my life; it was a transitional year. A year of constant change and uncertainty. 2017 was about finding my new normal.
This year brought a lot of excitement, tears, disappointment, heartache, laughter, and inner-strength that I managed to find deep within myself. I picked up my life and moved across the country to a brand new city. I took a leap of faith and started over. It’s been a very challenging year, but definitely not a bad one. I have a new career that I love, I’ve traveled to some amazing places, made a couple new friends, gained a beautiful and healthy new niece, and I’m still standing.
Here are some of my favorite moments from 2017. Cheers to a happy, healthy, and prosperous 2018! Happy New Year, y’all! #adventureawaits
In January, I completed my first Half Marathon in Phoenix. I was too ecstatic to notice the chick photobombing me.February in Phoenix. Natalie and I playing tourists before I moved.Pitstop in Winslow, AZ during the great cross-country move of 2017. This was the last photo I took in Arizona. What an exciting trip.April in Asheville. That was a really special day.Another really special day. Asheville River Arts District. April.Working hard, playing harder in Denver with Tabitha last May.The Columbia River Gorge from the Vista House. I think it’s one of the prettiest places in the country. Oregon trip, June.The first time I ever saw Mt. Hood my jaw literally dropped. Pictures don’t do her justice. Taken from the back porch of Solera Brewery in Parkdale, OR.The Gorge once again, pictured from Rowena Crest overlook. June.Rowena Crest. Makes the Blue Ridges look cute in comparison.Multnomah Falls in June. I’ll be honest, it’s prettier in the fall, but it’s impossible to get a bad shot of this place.Chasing waterfalls in Pisgah National Forest. July was a tough month for me, but nature helped.This summer, I discovered I really really love trail running. Rolled ankles and all. Mountains to Sea Trail just off Blue Ridge Parkway.I like this spot. The Biltmore Season Pass is worth the money. I’m pretty lucky to live only 10 min away. August.Summer flowers at Biltmore.I fell in love with Maine. After an emotionally draining summer, nine days in Maine made me feel like myself again: spunky, confident, and fearless. Cape Elizabeth, September.Portland Headlight. Maine: the way life should be. #Vacationland.I ate my bodyweight in seafood while in Maine, including this fresh clam and white sauce pizza in downtown Portland, ME.Fresh fried belly clams in Rockland, Maine. They’ve gotta serve these in heaven.Bucket list getting shorter now. I got to spend a whole day at Acadia National Park, and it was one of the best days of the year. View from Jordan Pond.Cadillac Mountain. I felt so empowered after 4 hours of climbing, scrambling, and zero switchbacks by myself. Several people asked me, “Are you doing this alone?” Yes, I am. Acadia National Park.Waited in line 2 hours for a lobster roll at Red’s. It was everything I wanted it to be and more. Literally one pound of fresh lobster per roll. Wiscasset, Maine.New England wins at pretty homes. Loved this city. Portsmouth, New Hampshire.Hope floats. Lobster traps in Boothbay Harbor, Maine.Blue Water Seafood in San Diego. This is my favorite place for fish tacos. I’ve been to San Diego 3 times, and Blue Water Seafood 5 times…..Natalya and I at the Avett Brothers concert in October. From the White House to Asheville, so thankful our paths have crossed again. Two “Nats” in my life now!Celebrating Alex’s 5th birthday. She’s the coolest kid I know.Washington, DC in November.Horseshoe Bend. Page, AZ. December.Antelope Canyon with Natalie. Page, Arizona. December.Hub Wives. Phoenix.Skydeck at the Sears Tower. Chicago, December.And to finish out an eventful year, I finally got to meet little Charlotte at Christmas. She’s perfect.No regrets going into 2018. Live, travel, adventure, bless, and don’t be sorry. Adventure awaits. 🙂
Author
Shug
I answer to Shug. I believe that life is a special occasion. Based in Asheville, NC, I'm a baker, foodie, adventure-seeker, runner, former Obama staffer, and Carolina Tarheel. Lover of charcuterie boards, the color pink, and a buttery Chardonnay. These are my recipes, thoughts, and adventures. Thanks for stopping by.
